Exploring Louisiana’s small towns is an excellent way to really see the heart and soul of the Pelican State. Next time your adventurous spirit revs up, consider planning a trip to Rayne, Louisiana. This quirky little town is packed with interesting sights to see, delicious restaurants to dine at, and more.
You’ll find Rayne just outside of Lafayette.
Leonce Lionnet/Google Nestled right in the heart of Cajun Country, this hidden gem is home to about 8,000 residents, making it not too big, but not too small— the perfect sized town!
Rayne has a few claims to fame, and you’ll catch a glimpse of both of them from the moment you arrive.
Chris Adams/Google Known as both the “Frog Capital of the World” and the “Louisiana City of Murals,” Rayne has fully embraced both, and you’ll find sculptures and murals of frogs peppered all around town.
But why frogs?
Simon Liang/Google Rayne and frogs have a long history together, going back to the 1900s when three Parisian brothers opened a frog leg exporting business which proved to be very profitable. They shipped these delicacies to restaurants all over the country.
Rayne may not be a huge exporter of frog legs anymore, but they embrace their history with open arms. They even host the annual frog festival which attracts people from all over.
If the frogs and murals don’t entice you, there’s one attraction in Rayne that’s an absolute must-visit…
Christopher Miller/Google
…and that’s the St. Joseph Cemetery.
Sara Neave/Google It may look like any other cemetery, but it’s actually one of the most unique cemeteries in the entire country.
Most Christian burial sites place the graves in an east-west orientation, based on the rising and setting of the sun. But this particular cemetery is north-south facing.
Google Maps But why?
Well, no one knows for sure, but the most popular explanation is plain old human error. When they were laying out the cemetery, the mistake wasn’t caught until it was too late to fix it, so they just kept laying them north-south. It’s the only north-south facing cemetery in the country and has even caught the attention of Ripley’s Believe it or Not.
Hopping around Rayne is sure to work up an appetite. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious restaurants right around town.
Jonathan Peyton/Google You can’t go wrong with a visit to Chef Roy’s, a locally-owned and operated eatery that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Here, you can indulge in everything from seafood pasta dishes to sizzling steaks.
William Hardwick/Google And yes, you can even get frog legs. When it Rome! Or rather, Rayne…
And before you leave, make sure you stop by Candyland Cottage.
Crystal Spring/Google This nostalgic candy shop is the perfect spot to pick up some mementos for the ride home, including homemade fudge and rare candies from your childhood. The perfect snack!
Have you ever visited Rayne? Let us know in the comments!
Leonce Lionnet/Google
Nestled right in the heart of Cajun Country, this hidden gem is home to about 8,000 residents, making it not too big, but not too small— the perfect sized town!
Chris Adams/Google
Known as both the “Frog Capital of the World” and the “Louisiana City of Murals,” Rayne has fully embraced both, and you’ll find sculptures and murals of frogs peppered all around town.
Simon Liang/Google
Rayne and frogs have a long history together, going back to the 1900s when three Parisian brothers opened a frog leg exporting business which proved to be very profitable. They shipped these delicacies to restaurants all over the country.
Rayne may not be a huge exporter of frog legs anymore, but they embrace their history with open arms. They even host the annual frog festival which attracts people from all over.
Christopher Miller/Google
Sara Neave/Google
It may look like any other cemetery, but it’s actually one of the most unique cemeteries in the entire country.
Google Maps
But why?
Well, no one knows for sure, but the most popular explanation is plain old human error. When they were laying out the cemetery, the mistake wasn’t caught until it was too late to fix it, so they just kept laying them north-south. It’s the only north-south facing cemetery in the country and has even caught the attention of Ripley’s Believe it or Not.
Jonathan Peyton/Google
You can’t go wrong with a visit to Chef Roy’s, a locally-owned and operated eatery that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
William Hardwick/Google
And yes, you can even get frog legs. When it Rome! Or rather, Rayne…
Crystal Spring/Google
This nostalgic candy shop is the perfect spot to pick up some mementos for the ride home, including homemade fudge and rare candies from your childhood. The perfect snack!
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Address: Rayne, LA 70578, USA
